URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1589

Decision Maker:

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Governance for Cabinet members to consider the revised Statement of Gambling Policy for 2025-2028 and refer to Full Council for adoption.   Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”) provides that each Licensing Authority shall, before each successive period of three years, prepare a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their functions under the Act during that period, and publish that statement. The Licensing Committee approved the draft policy, in line with the Councils constitution and it was now necessary for Cabinet to make recommendations to Full Council for approval.   It was agreed that the report to Council would highlight the changes to the Gambling Policy which would be useful for members.  Following concern regarding safeguarding of children it was suggested that consideration should be given to raising public awareness of the rules in terms of children.  It was also noted that the report to full Council would include a revised preface.   Councillor Maddocks proposed, seconded by Councillor Bannon:-   “That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with Cabinet’s comments reflected in the report to Full Council.”   Councillors then voted:-   Resolved unanimously:   That Cabinet endorse the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028 and refer the policy to full Council for adoption with the referral report reflecting Cabinet’s comments.   Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Governance   Reasons for making the decision:   The Statement of Licensing Policy forms part of the Council’s Policy Framework.   It is important to follow the correct process in implementing the updated policy, with Licensing Committee making recommendations to the Councils Cabinet prior to adoption by Full Council. The absence of a valid policy leaves the Council susceptible to legal challenge.

Date of Decision: October 21, 2025